Geraldine Caroline Pierce

Geraldine C. Pierce, 92, passed away peacefully Monday morning, October 30th, while in the care of Hospice House in Mishawaka, IN.

Born November 4, 1930, in Nanticoke, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Zedonis) Ustar.

On May 29, 1953, Gerry married the love of her life, Dr. Louis Pierce, who preceded her in death in 1991. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Pierce, in 2017.

Left to cherish her memory are children: Louis (Melinda) Pierce of Mishawaka, Jerry (Kathy) Pierce of Westminster, CO, John Pierce of Mishawaka, and Susan Pierce of South Bend.  Grandchildren Amber (Kyle) Evenson of Lakeville, MN, Erin (Mike) Olson of Kohler, WI, Cari (Chris) Piha of Colorado Springs, CO, and Adam Pierce of Burnsville, MN. Great Grandchildren Stella & Grady Evenson, Corbin & Greta Olson, and Charlotte and Cooper Piha.

Gerry was a loving and devoted wife and mother. A heart for service, she obtained her BSRN from St. Alexis in Cleveland in 1950 and a Master’s in Nursing from the College of St. Francis and worked as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She was a former member of the Harmonicats in Los Angeles, where she performed the piano.  After her marriage to Lou, they traveled to Boston, where her husband studied at Harvard and obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry.  Gerry was an RN with Boston General Hospital at the time.  Dr. Pierce received an offer to become a Professor at the University of Notre Dame, and they moved to South Bend in 1956. Gerry was also an arbitrator for the BBB in South Bend. Never one for not having a sense of humor, Gerry once told her children that the first thing she would do when she saw their Dad in Heaven was to punch him in the nose and then kiss him hard.

Gerry enjoyed bicycling around the country with her family in her younger years, often riding up to 100 miles per day.  An avid crocheter, many an afghan were handed to family and friends.  She was a lifetime member of The Ladies of Notre Dame and frequently hosted Bridge Games in her home.  Gerry was an avid reader, consuming 3 or 4 books a week.  She will be missed by the many lives that she touched over so many years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Hospice Center.  We realize this is a common request, but our mother's care during her short stay with them was filled with love, compassion, and professionalism for Mom and her family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.